Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] windows or dos based NC software

Art wrote:

>Dos is going the way of the dinosaur very soon. (Can you still buy
>it?)
>

I don't think you can, not the original anyhow. I wonder how the Ah-Ha
versions run under the DOS variants..... I know for a fact it was pretty
touchy when using the MS DOS.

I do my share of Drum banging for Flashcut because I have used it for
many years and it works. There are the limitations in step rates that
you pointed out, but one must really examine if you NEED that higher
step rate. Many likely do not on the hobby level if their machine is
designed correctly, again depending on what they do.
Too, Step rates are climbing in the likes of Flashcut. I think even you
have indicated that Mach1 is "capable" of more, but you are not ready to
"allow it to just yet".

My first close encounter with a Windows Controller was IndexerLPT. It
was not what is called "Real time" - whooooopppeeeedeeedoooo. Never
quite did understand that whole discussion. So I can't see the DRO
numbers changing before my eyes. I didn't care, just cut the part out !
Once I could "flip in and out" of other super easy programs, I deem
totally necessary at the machine These days like a code editor, or
simulator, Yes, Once I could STOP using those USELESS 1.4 m floppy disks
and set up a network that didn't fiddle with the controller, I was Sold.

I mean really, What would you rather use, Xtree Gold or Windows Explorer
? 'nuff said. I spent lots of time behind Ah-ha. Fiddling with large
files just plain was a pain. Of course Indexer at the time lacked the
G-code aspect so I moved on as soon as Flashcut became available and
that goes back some years now. Have not looked back since. The Real
Clincher is "Constant Contouring" and Art, you know all about that. If
ones control does not have it, you are missing out. Many of the DOS
controls I used to use "thought" they had continuous Contouring, ya
right... Well, they obviously did not know what that means.

Nowdays, I really enjoy taking my "new found" CNC tool, A USB hardrive
back and forth from work to home, home to other machines ( my friends
run windows controls too) Etc. and never hear that lonely and painfully
slow clickclickclick of the A: drive, never miss those CRC 101 errors,
not to mention my files often run much bigger than a floppy offers.
Can't do that from Dos. Yet, I know that Dos works excellent for many of
you. Just dont say "Windows can't do CNC". I personally feel it does it
much better than dos ever has on the PC level. The most handy thing
though is the simple stuff, Like sending a G-code file over to the
controller via the Lan, even a wireless Lan, While a different job is
cutting. Can't live without that.

I must say, I have nothing but a lot of admiration for You Mr. Fenerty.
I am not sure just how you are doing as much as you are doing !
Incredible work !

I am a registered owner of Mach1 ( it be foolish not to own it right ?)
which is clearly one incredible bargain, and one would think, your
product at that price, would put the last nail in the dos control
coffin. I have not run it yet, but am certainly aware of the success
stories out there and the OEM demand you now face because of that
success. I just await a new gui !

I know from my Flashcut V2 testing, the same feeling you had when you
found out you actually *could* go surf the web, send e-mail, Play a
video game, watch an AVI, all WHILE your machine was cutting safely in
the background. No "runaways, missed steps, loss of position, busted
tooling, yaddayaddayadda.

Truly, I had no problems doing that whatsoever with Flashcut V2 on a
PIII Celeron 1.3 system put together for way less than $175. Obviously,
this is not what I suggest people do, but you must admit that if people
have done it without any effect on machining, clearly Windows CAN do
CNC. With the other programs available, well, then in my book "windows
does it better", not that I have any love for MS. If and When EMC can be
a little more like Xandros, I'll try that too. I'm not a big fan of the
"look" and "feel" of Linux , but boy is that changing fast out there.

Flashcut will also enjoy the next few years as V2 will be able to expand
with newer hardware and a whole lot more options than ever. They too
sell many private labels copies to OEM builders. Their market is a whole
lot more than typical mills and Lathes. I've seen the control on
machines I didn't expect it to be on.

So, I'll agree there are some really cheap ways to run a machine using
Dos. It's not all about being cheap though. Windows control will cost a
little more, but you will not regret it. Not only that, IF you can't buy
DOS new anymore, I'd certainly hate to ask just where the new *legal*
copies of Dos will come from ? Don't answer that, This group will not
tolerate Piracy discussions and I'd hate to know more than I need to know.

So, there, I kept it on the list.
Chris L